Drug Reactions

The three main types of drug interactions include drugs with food and beverages, drugs with dietary supplements, and drugs with other drugs. This document provides tips on how to avoid harmful drug interactions. Also available in video.

You’ve probably seen this warning on medicines you’ve taken. The danger is real. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can cause nausea and vomiting, fainting, loss of coordination, and other physical, and potentially life-threatening, problems.

Many herbal supplements can interact with medications to treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other conditions. Some interactions can be dangerous. This document lists common herbal supplements, foods and vitamins that can interact with heart disease medications.

Anytime a person is taking five or more medications, the chances that he or she will experience a harmful drug interaction are very high. Learn how you can lessen the chance of a harmful drug interaction.

Stevens Johnson Syndrome (SJS), and TENS (Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis Syndrome) another form of SJS are severe adverse reactions to medication. Recognition of the early symptoms of SJS and prompt medical attention may be life-saving.

A Federal Government website managed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
healthfinder.gov is sponsored by the National Health Information Center 200 Independence Avenue, S.W., Washington, DC 20201Page last updated:
Monday, March 19, 2018